May 2017
Good day fellow Welland Outdoor Tennis Club members,
It appears that the weather has finally turned, and we are now finally able to get to play
some outdoor tennis under slightly warmer weather, which is something that many of us
have been waiting for over the course of the past months.
On behalf of your Board of Directors we welcome back our returning members, and look
forward to meeting our many new members that have joined our fantastic club from both
near and far. As our plethora of returning members can attest, as new members, you
will likely discover that our club has much to offer for players of all ability levels, and a
casual clubhouse fit for good conversation, camaraderie, television watching, and/or a
snack and beverage. All members are encouraged to regularly check our website
(www.wellandtennis.cOm) and/or the notices that are posted throughout the clubhouse
regarding upcoming events.
During the winter months your Board of Directors have been working diligently on your
behalf at attempting to get things in place in order that we can have yet another
successful outdoor season. So that you are aware, some of our endeavours have
included working with the City of Welland to have the indoor of the Club painted, a new
hot water tank (hotter showers now!!!) and new furnace installed, and having discussion
regarding City staff being able to assist with fixing cracks on the hard courts. We are
very grateful for the positive relationship that we continue to have with the City of
Welland and the support they regularly provide.
In addition we have applied for a Sumer Student Grant (for which we should have
further information in the next couple of weeks), ordered new clay for the clay courts,
updated Smart Serve requirements, decided on what modest food items would be for
sale in the canteen, and secured Pro gear for Dave Boland, We thank Pam’s Pro Shop
for their assistance with this..
Special thanks are also extended to the number of volunteers who have assisted with
getting our club ready for the season. This has included putting up wind screens and
nets, cleaning the trophy case, locker rooms, and kitchen, as well as assembling the
clubhouse furniture, putting up the television, and providing a general cleaning of the
clubhouse. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
All members are invited to attend our Annual Adult Open House on Friday May 12 from
6:00-9:00. At 6:30 Court #1 will be dedicated as the ‘Dutchy Doerr Memorial Court’ in
honour of Dutchy Doerr, a long-time friend and former Pro/Club Manager of the Welland
Tennis Club. Light food will be provided, the OTA ‘Raise The Net Roadshow’ will be on
site, and of course those wishing to play some tennis are welcome to do so.
As the season progresses be reminded that through our good relationship with the City
of Welland that both our clubhouse and all 8 courts are open and available until October
31(weather permitting).
While we certainly do not want to wish away the forthcoming tennis season, you are
encouraged to save the date of Saturday October 7 for our annual AGM and Year End
Banquet. Further details about this annual event will be provided closer to the set date.
As always, should you have any suggestions for improving our club and/or wish to
volunteer your time in some capacity you are encouraged to be in touch with any one of
our dedicated Board of Directors or Club Pro/Manager, as both your time and ideas are
always welcome.
To echo the words of Rod Laver who said “there's a lot of ingredients that go into being
a good tennis player”. I also believe that there are a number of necessary ingredients
that go into having a great tennis club. As a community based tennis club we truly have
these ingredients, in our members, Board of Directors, Pro/Manager(Dave Boland),
neighbours and our positive relationship with the City of Welland. Collectively, we all
continue to contribute to having an excellent and safe location for all of our members to
play the great life-long game of tennis.
On behalf of your Board of Directors, I wish you all a successful start to the 2017
outdoor season, and look forward to seeing our many new and returning members in
the days and weeks ahead.
All the best,
C. Zanuttini
President